Shanghai on New Year's Eve is a little different from most places you've probably lived. There's no single countdown square (no Times Square moment), no city‑wide fireworks broadcast, and definitely no universally agreed "best party spot." What you will find is a city that lights up in its own way: hotel bars with skyline vistas, boutique clubs holding their breath for midnight, and neighbourhood hangouts bubbling with their own brand of low‑key chaos.
Below, the questions people actually ask — where to go, what to expect, when to book, and how to survive New Year's Eve in Shanghai without losing your phone, your friends, or your will to celebrate.
Will there be fireworks on the Bund?
Short answer: No big official fireworks show on the Bund. Shanghai has long since stopped hosting large public fireworks displays on the Bund for crowd control and safety reasons, especially after the 2014 stampede on the Bund. Since then, big official Bund fireworks have generally been cancelled.
So what happens instead?
The skyline is usually illuminated with special festive lighting around NYE as part of city plans to create a celebratory atmosphere, and lights stay on until 12.15 (usually they go off at 10pm).
People still gather around the Bund for the countdown vibe and skyline views — it gets very crowded even without fireworks.
Where do I go for fireworks?
Nothing NYE specific that we are aware of. Shanghai Disneyland and Happy Valley have fireworks every night.
Is Jan 1st a public holiday? Is NYE even "a thing" since they have Chinese New Year?
Yes — Jan 1st to 3rd are public holidays in China (full list of public holidays 2025 here). It's separate from the much bigger Chinese Lunar New Year holiday (Feb 17 to March 3rd.)
Is that big Christmas Market on the Bund still on for NYE?
No. They once extended it past Christmas, but this year it ends Dec 28.
What are the big NYE Parties?
SmartShanghai has all the big fancy NYE parties listed and — how convenient — we also sell tickets for all of them.
Other Ways to Celebrate
For a traditional countdown, small temples like Donglin in Jinshan and Xiaoputuo in Pudong are hosting midnight bell ceremonies—both a bit farther out—while larger temples' plans, like Longhua and Jing'an Temple, haven't been announced yet— though they have typically held these ceremonies in past years.
Festive installations & markets around Yuyuan/BFC (e.g., ice rinks, winter pop‑ups).
Tank Shanghai turns its museum into a late-night karaoke space with open and curated sessions, ending with a playful midnight countdown.
For kids or families:Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park runs themed shows and performances from Dec 31 to Jan 3 — no fireworks on NYE, but a full-day, family-friendly celebration.Shanghai Disneyland is ringing in the New Year with a special castle celebration, "Ignite the New Year," on December 31 and January 1.
Quick Context Notes
Even without a huge official Bund fireworks show, NYE in Shanghai is absolutely a vibe — people still come out in big crowds, there's lots of energy, music, drinks, and informal countdowns.
Crowds are heavy around the Bund — plan transport early and expect closures/controls.
Shanghai's version of fireworks culture is more linked to Chinese New Year (Lunar) than Dec 31.
